Customer Reviews

Highland Dragon (Zebra Historical Romance)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The back cover of Highland Dragon promises a desire that defies all limits and a love that was meant to be. Highland Dragon keeps that promise and more.

From the first scene until the end of the book, I was riveted by this story. Calin MacLoed saves his betrothed as an infant and gives her to a peasant family to raise. Akira Neish grows up knowing she will someday marry her benefactor. When these two strong-willed characters meet, the sparks leap off the pages. Set in Scotland, the world of the early 1500's comes to life as a mistress, a laird and even the King try to come between these two destined lovers.

Killion creates vivid characters and wonderfully complex stories. The rich love story at the center of this book is compelling and feels so real that I found myself thinking about the story and the characters long after the last sentence. Killion delivers a story that definitely belongs on the keeper shelf.

Review by Amanda F

I have no idea why this book sat in my pile as long as I did. Historical Highland Romances are one of my favorites and this one is a keeper for me. It kept me wanting to read from beginning to end. It had a really good story, the romance was wonderful and the love scenes hot enough to keep me happy. I must also mention that Calin was what every hero should be, strong, loving, sensitive, sexy and hot.
This was the first book i read of Kimberly's. She writes a story the way I most love to read. I have since ordered her first book Her One Desire and from the reviews here, I'm sure it will be another keeper.
Kimberly has made a fan out of me from reading just one of her books, Highland Dragon. She will be an auto buy for me from now on.

This is an exeptional story, that reflects the hard work and dedication of an author who has researched and put her heart and sole into her work extensively. Kimberly has created a magical story with strong, vibrant characters, that make it impossible to set the book down! If an author can make you laugh weep or feel geniune compasion for characters as you read a book, then she or he has done their job. There is no doubt this author has the ability to bring her true passion to the pages. Her details, to sight, sound and smells jump off the pages. Love scenes with heat and passion are excellant. This is a powerful, dramatic read! LOVED IT!!!

In 1484 ten-year-old Calin MacLeod is hiding behind a false panel at Brycen Castle watching the horror unfold before him. His father Laird MacLeod with two of his warriors is simmering with anger at the treatment Lena Kinnon is receiving while giving birth. This should be a joyous occasion for if she delivers a girl it will be Calin's betrothed and will bring peace between the two clans: MacLeod and Kinnon. But what unfolded after the birth was murder and treachery at the hands of Laird Kinnon a ruthless and merciless man. He substitutes the baby girl for a boy and proclaims him as his son. He orders the Kinnon warriors present to murder them all, and Calin watches in silent horror as they murder his father and Lena. They were about to murder the baby when the priest in attendance begs to give him a moment to baptize the baby before her short life is ended. With the moment granted they leave, and out steps Calin from where he was hiding. Shocked and horrified he swears one day he will have his revenge. He picks up the newborn and brands her with his father's signet ring, marking her as his and escapes unseen taking her with him. He seeks the help from his friend Kendrick Neish, who takes the baby into his family adopting her and naming her Akira. Many years would go by before Calin lays eyes on his betrothed again. But when he does his revenge against Laird Kinnon will be brought to an end and finally the two clans will be united in peace.

Almost eighteen years have passed since that fateful day, and Calin MacLeod for years has been preparing his revenge. He has been forging alliances with the rival clans of Laird Kinnon banding them together for his downfall. He is on his way to Kendrick's home to claim his betrothed with excited anticipation, he is curious about her all the while knowing he is playing a treacherous game with her the pawn. Upon arrival, his old friend Kendrick greets him coldly, he does not know that someone is onto him and has taken Akira under the guise of his men and is selling her to the highest bidder in an underground marriage mart where virgin brides are the ultimate prize.

Akira is enraged that her betrothed is treating her in such a manner. For years she has known she was to be married to an unknown benefactor, she has exchanged correspondence with him for many years and is shocked at his cold callous turn around. About to be sold, her pride overrides her fear and she proudly claims to be a virgin before a lecherous crowd of men. Hidden in the crowd are Calin and Kendrick, who are not about to see his betrothed sold to someone else, In a daring move he risks everything and buys her back. With Akira now under his protection Calin attempts to know his betrothed enraging his good friend Kendrick with his subtle trickery and half truths. Calin finds her beautiful, enchanting and exasperating as she continually outwits him and his well developed plans. Can he sway her to his side and marriage bed before he has to reveal his true intentions with her real parentage being the key to all he has worked for?

Engaging and exciting, HIGHLAND DRAGON captures your attention right from the first page. With a well thought out plot and two very complex and strong characters, this book leaves the reader breathless in anticipation of what's to come. Kimberly Killion is quickly becoming a master of all things medieval as she dares to be original with her characters incorporating a true description of what life was like without the constant glamorization and glossing over of a brutal truth and era.

I loved Akira; she's a girl after my own heart. Her spirit and proud manner were captivating. She was not about to let anyone bully her and if they did, her humorous way of getting even with them, caused several laugh out loud moments for this reader. Calin was a just a young boy when he witnessed all he saw that fateful day. He instantly went from boy to warrior and laird of his clan, he lived and breathed revenge, it's all he knew and used it to survive. He is dumbfounded by this beautiful woman and when he finally realizes she is not a pawn but a human being, he is faced with the fears of being a failure and a coward. Together they formed an unbreakable bond one forged out of treachery and trickery which grew into respect and everlasting love. HIGHLAND DRAGON is an edge of your seat thrill ride that no historical romance reader should miss. I highly recommend it and can't wait to see what this talented author is going to do next.

It's beginning is pretty gory and the next few chapters were pretty dismal - think degradation of women and children. However, I still kept on reading though I felt pretty uncomfortable with what I was reading. I had to give up though as I just found the heroine pretty obnoxious and her conversation so inane. I just simply lost interest in the whole story.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the book. I believe that there is a good story hidden within the book, but the author never really lets it shine. Or pehaps bad editing. I found it very awkward the way the characters would switch back and forth "I love him" to "I can't give my heart" and the herione's constant struggle with her sexuality felt a bit patronizing. I gave it 3 stars as I think if the author actually took their time and worked with good editing, the story would shine through and be much better.

Young Laird Calin MacLeod saved his betrothed when she was an infant and gave her to a peasant family to be raised. Now 18 years later her protector and benefactor suddenly appears to marry her and although Akira Neish knows that she is promised to her benefactor she wants nothing to do with him. She has other problems, because the people think that she is a witch due to a birthmark. Yet the passion and secrets they share are so explosive that it not only influences their lives but could be their end. Will these two spirited lovers have a future together or will their enemies win?

The sparks are flying between those two strong willed characters from the very start of the story. Ms Killion has created with Akira and Calin, vivid and complex characters who make HIGHLAND DRAGON such an enjoyable read. The story and its characters will stay with you for quite awhile after you have read the last page. It's definitely a book that should find a place on your keeper shelf.

Calin first sees Akira only as an instrument to avenge his father's death, because he is blinded by his wish for revenge, but soon Akira worms her way into his protected heart and he realizes that real love is much more important that all the vengeance in the world. HIGHLAND DRAGON is an absolutely fascinating and enchanting story.

So if you love Highlander stories, you definitely don't want to miss this book. Ms. Killion is a fast rising star in the world of Scottish romance and I am really looking forward to read more from her!

Courtesy of Loveromances and More!

As a young lad, Calin McLeod witnessed the murder of his father at the command of his enemy's leader, Laird Kinnon. To add to the horrific memory of watching the life leave his father's eyes, young Calin bore witness to the murder of the woman his father loved dearly, Lady Kinnon, immediately after she gave birth to the daughter of the evil Laird Kinnon. Even at the tender age of 10, Calin knows the creed of every Scotsman. No one messes with family!! Determined to avenge his father's murder, Calin takes the newly birthed baby from the priest's hands and brands the bottom of the baby girl with his father's signet ring. Knowing this baby girl is the key to his revenge and that he will come back to claim her as his wife in the years to come, Calin gives the young infant to his best friend's family to raise and protect.

Akira Neish has always known she would marry her benefactor, the man who has provided for her since she was an infant. But of late she is wondering what is taking the man so darn long to come and claim her. When she is kidnapped by a group of warriors believing she is a witch all because of a mark on her derriere and taken to Tigh Diabhail to be sold to the highest bidder, Akira believes her savior will never show. But at the last minute, a man arrives with Akira's brother Kendrick and bids an extremely high amount for her. Unbeknownst to her, this strange man is her benefactor and soon to be husband.

From the first meeting of Calin and Akira, the electricity between these two could be felt through the pages. Though it was not love at first sight, the first interaction between these two does set the atmosphere of frank talk in their relationship. Akira is a strong-willed young woman who thinks quickly on her feet, speaks her mind and at moments demands things her way. When it is revealed that Calin is Akira's benefactor and has plans to marry her, Akira quickly demands a couple boons from Calin before given her agreement to the marriage. The majority of her requests are simple and ones Calin quickly approves. But when she informs Calin that if he intends to kiss her frequently prior to their marriage then he will need to shave his beard, Calin doesn't know what to think.

Calin's eyes widened. "M'lady, a Highlander without a beard is as rare as a sheep with nay wool. I have nary a doubt, ye are testing me."

Akira crossed her arms over her chest and raised both brows to challenge him.

"Ye cannae be serious. Ye want me to . . . shave. The bath is acceptable, even desirable at this point, I admit. But the beard? `Tis a most unreasonable request. Ye cannae ask this of me."

Aghast at the demand by Akira, Calin questions himself. Why should the chieftain of Clan McLeod shave his beard? But at this point in the story, I believe that Calin has already given his heart to Akira. Though the words may not have been spoken yet, Calin's actions speak louder than those words. This seemingly insignificant request proves to be the beginning of the true relationship between Calin and Akira. Though not particularly pleased with his clean shaven face, Calin's compliance with Akira's request shows his promise to listen and respect her opinions. As you can see from this passage in the novel, Calin realizes he is falling in love with this woman who is to be the tool of his revenge.

Calin stood at the entrance to the kirk beside Father Harrald when Akira floated through the procession of people and into his view. His knees locked, and what felt like a small animal jumped inside his gut. When a constricting force clutched at his heart, he gave his head a quick shake. What was wrong with him? He was a leader. A warrior. He refused to believe the woman he was about to marry for the sake of protecting his clan shared part of his heart, but the undeniable weight pushing against his lungs challenged his theory. As the timeless moment whirled around him like Highland mist, he realized Akira would be more than just his lady wife. She would be his companion. His friend. His lover.

Kimberly Killion has done it again with this novel. I have to say this story kept me riveted the entire time. The relationship between Calin and Akira is one you would (or at least should) expect from any Highland medieval story - strong, passionate, opinionated, and sensual with utter devotion and conquering love as the threads that bind their hearts and souls together.

The cast of secondary characters is second to none. From the despicable, creepy (really creepy!) Laird Kinnon to the adorable, young Andrew who grabs at your heartstrings to the older, feisty Aunt Wanda who gives the elders of the clan a tongue lashing to best friend Kendrick who is begging for his own story to be told (or at least I'm begging for his story!). All of these unique individuals add just the right about of flavor to this story.

This is a book that now has its place on my keeper shelf. So leave some space on your keep shelf and go pick up Highland Dragon. You won't be disappointed!

[...]

I read this while trapped in my house during a multi-day blizzard (Snowmageddon 2010). I could not put it down. It is always wonderful to find a new author who writes both strong heros and heroines. Calin was wonderful and the romance between him and Akira was believable and well written (and quite hot in parts!). And did I mention highlanders. God I love highlanders. This book is like piping hot chocolate on a freezing cold day. Loved it.

I absolutley love this author. She has written two books "Her One Desire" and "Highland Dragon" and they had me laughing and crying and longing.... I seriousley laughed out loud and tears, I can't remember the last book I read that could do that to me. Thanks Kim Killion and I want more!
Jen
Buckley,WA